Arsene Wenger tried to persuade Lukas Podolski to spurn an offer from Galatasaray and remain with Arsenal this summer, according to his agent.
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According to talkSPORT, the Germany international is on the brink of signing for Super Lig champions Galatasaray – in a £1.75m deal from the Gunners – but Wenger is said to have been keen on keeping the winger at the Emirates.
Podolski’s agent, Nassim Touihri, revealed that the French manager would rather the Inter Milan flop remain in north London, but the forward opted to move on after understanding that his role with Arsenal would continue to be limited.
“We had very good talks with Wenger,” as quoted by the Daily Star.
“He wanted to keep Lukas, but couldn’t give him a guarantee that he will be starter. That’s why we agreed on a transfer.”
The former Koln star netted 31 goals in 82 appearances under Wenger, but became increasingly isolated with the Premier League heavyweights following the arrival of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez last summer.
The forward aimed to revive his career in the second-half of the campaign after sealing a six-month loan deal with Roberto Mancini’s side in the January window.
However, just one goal in 17 Serie A appearances did little to improve his stock, and it has come as no surprise that his career in the English capital looks to be coming to an end.